From those who build the devices to those who handle the marketing, a vast spectrum of individuals work in the medical and dental instruments industry. They eventually come into the possession of experts who employ them.
There are many ways to earn a sizable paycheck besides it. Similar to other medical professionals, dentists need a variety of instruments, including X-ray equipment, pliers, forceps, and many more.
If you’re seeking a career with longevity, human involvement, and one that’s tough and constantly evolving, medical/dental Instruments is an excellent choice.
This article will discuss the medical/dental instruments career path, the benefits of working in this industry, the skill requirements, and the best-paying jobs.
Why Choose Medical/Dental Instruments?
People opt for careers in medical/dental instruments for a variety of reasons. Some individuals have a tremendous desire to assist others and improve their life. Others simply need reliable employment with a good salary and perks.
While others are searching for positions that allow them to use their creativity and generate fresh ideas daily. Furthermore, job security is guaranteed, as there will always be a need for medical/dental instruments.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics records that the average annual salary for positions involving the use of medical or dental instruments is between $30,000 – $95,000.
In addition, they predict job advancement in this field to be stronger than average between 2019 and 2029.
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What are the Different Medical/Dental Instruments Jobs? If any exists
The medical/dental instruments sector offers various career paths and job opportunities for individuals with different levels of work experience, education, and expertise.
As this industry steadily grows with a positive job and salary outlook, individuals interested in pursuing a career might want to consider the following different types of medical/dental instruments jobs.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Surgeons
- Dental Assistants
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Medical Biller
- Orthodontist
- Implant Coordinator
- Occupational Therapist
- Radiologic Technologist
- Gynecologist/ Obstetrician
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The Benefits of a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments
The medical/dental instruments industry involves helping people and improving their well-being, just like any other profession in the healthcare sector.
To appreciate the medical/dental instruments profession, let us examine the benefits of working in this field.
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Earnings Prospects
A profession in the medical or dental instruments field can be quite profitable. Many occupations in this field come with more credentials and better compensation incentives.
The opportunity exists for most medical careers, albeit this may not be the case for all of them.
Additionally, because a person’s training is more narrowly focused if they work in a medical specialty like cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, pediatrics, etc., they may earn more money.
The size of a healthcare institution, the location, and the state in which you work, as well as the kind of license or certification you possess, will all impact your earning potential.
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Career Development
The methods for gaining both earning potential and job advancement are comparable. As previously mentioned, medical/dental instrument professionals can increase their earning potential by earning additional licenses or credentials.
For instance, a CNA or Certified Nurse Assistant can get a vocational nurse license by finishing additional coursework from a vocational nursing program and passing their state’s accrediting agency exam.
A CNA’s starting income could rise significantly if they earned a nursing license. There are no restrictions in the medical/dental instruments industry, and most healthcare occupations allow for the acquisition of extra certifications.
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Job Safety
It takes extensive training, study, and adherence to state-mandated certification and licensing procedures to work in the healthcare industry.
Job prospects can be many based on the sort of medical profession since the medical/dental instruments industry is career-focused and the number of your job obligations depends on your level of education, training, or qualifications.
For instance, there is a high need for dental assistants since they have a particular set of abilities needed to keep a dental practice running smoothly.
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Workplace Flexibility
If you work for a sizable business or a medical facility, you might move your career to different offices within the same organization.
Additionally, you aren’t constrained to a specific region for work chances if you earn a nationally recognized license or certification.
For instance, Diagnostic Registered Medical Sonographers, commonly known as Ultrasound Technicians, can take travel assignments of varying lengths and work across state lines.
How Many Jobs are Available in the Medical/Dental Instruments Field?
The medical/dental instruments sector employs a large number of people, has expanded to become a part of our daily life, and is anticipated to employ 330,200 people.
By creating jobs and generating income for many people, the medical and dental instruments field has significantly contributed to the improvement of the economy.
According to research, employment in this sector is expected to grow faster than other sectors between 2016 and 2026, by 18%. Two aspects of this growth are the aging population and the rising need for medical operations.
Some of the jobs available in the medical/dental instruments sector include
- Anesthesiologists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Dental Instrument Technician
- Orthodontic Technician
- Dentist Assistant
- Radiologic Technologist
- Physician Assistant
- Audiologist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Chiropractor
- Optometrist
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20 Best Paying Jobs in Medical/Dental Instruments in 2023
Are you interested in pursuing a career that will push you while also providing you with growth opportunities?
Do you like learning about and using medical and dental instruments? If this describes you, a career path in medical/dental instruments could be the right choice for you.
Without further ado, let’s look at the 20 best-paying jobs in medical/dental instruments in 2023.
#1. Asset Management Technician
Their job includes processing and maintaining records on movable medical equipment.
It’s a basic job most common in hospitals with little requirement than a simple diploma.
According to talent.com, the average asset management technician salary in the USA is $42,900 per year or $22 per hour.
Due to its high salary range, it’s one of the best paying jobs in medical/dental instruments.
#2. Dental Assistant
As the job title implies, it is simply a nurse to a dentist; they help in caring for and monitoring the patients.
They often administer anesthetics and help in operations.
Currently, the salary for dental assistants was $38,660 in May 2021.
According to bls.gov, Dental assistant employment is expected to grow at a faster rate than the national average from 2021 to 2031.
Because of how lucrative it is, the dental assistant made it to our top list of the best paying jobs in medical/dental instruments.
#3. Medical Biller
A profession that’s the equivalent of a cashier, they are in charge of calculation of bills that should be paid before medical administration like consultation fees.
They are also in charge of collecting payment after treatment, which is a highly sought-after job in the United States.
According to bls.gov, the average salary for medical records specialists was $46,660 in May 2021 and it’s expected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
With the admirable salary of the field, we can say it’s one of the best paying jobs in medical/dental instruments.
#4. Audiologist
Specialized in cases involving the ears, their job includes everything that concerns our hearing.
They can be hired privately, by clinics, hospitals, or work independently, they are highly knowledgeable about cases of hearing loss and administer hearing aids of varying degrees.
Audiologists typically need a doctorate in audiology (Au.D.) to work in the field and they must license you in all states.
According to bls.gov, in May 2021, the average salary for audiologists was $78,950.
From 2021 to 2031, audiologists’ employment is expected to grow 10% faster than the national average.
Approximately, they expect over 800 audiology job openings each year on average over the next decade. Many of those positions are expected to be filled because of the need to replace workers who change occupations or leave the labor force, such as to retire.
#5. Dental Hygienist
One of the highest paying jobs in the Medical/Dental instruments field.
Their primary roles include administering oral care to patients, usually under the supervision of a professional dentist.
They can also perform the role of consultation or even prescription drugs to said, patients.
Dental hygienists typically require an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Programs typically last three years. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, though the requirements vary by state.
According to bls.gov, the average salary for dental hygienists was $77,810.
Dental hygienist employment is expected to grow 9 percent between 2021 and 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Approximately 16,300 openings for dental hygienists are expected each year on average over the next decade. They expect many of those openings to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or leave the labor force, such as to retire.
#6. Orthodontist
This job focuses on management, setting, aligning, support of dental equipment, and replacement of teeth.
#7. Optometrist
This field of eye specialists handles the laboratory technicalities of the eye for the optician.
This includes a full eye check, measuring the pupil size and dilation, check the redness of the eyes and level of astigmatism.
They also persome the cover-uncover test.
#8. Occupational Therapist
Their job includes working with recovering patients to help facilitate their healing process, they help such patients function in society despite their circumstances.
They also work to help people with disabilities by helping them access their needed equipment such as wheelchairs and prosthetics.
#9. Respiratory Therapist
As a Respiratory Therapist, you with people who have breathing difficulties.
These patients include Asthmatics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing problems.
They are also needed to check breathing patterns, and administer medications where necessary.
#10. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologists handle the treatments that require radioactive substances.
Due to how challenging and dangerous the job would be because of the harmful substances used in those treatments, the pay is quite generous to compensate for their efforts.
#11. Implant Coordinator
Your job as an implant coordinator is to ensure that surgeons perform their operations with efficiency.
Providing all needed instruments needed for the operation, you’re also responsible for patient healthcare with implants and dealing with health insurance.
#12. Dentist Private Practice
This job is highly reliant on your location, level of practice or experience, and education.
Being one of the highest paying jobs in the Medical/Dental instruments field it also depends on the particular dental practice you engage yourself with.
#13. Physician Assistant
A physician Assistant is just as the job title specifies, you perform the duties of a physician while under supervision.
Such duties include patient diagnostics, prescribing medications etcetera.
#14. Anesthesiologist
They are to administer every form of painkillers including anesthetics during surgical operations.
#15. Surgeon
Being one of the most challenging professional jobs in the Medical/Dental instruments field.
It is quite difficult and requires a lot of skill and training, the ability to work under pressure and perform very delicate surgeries that may or may not save a life.
This is the highest paying job in this field and that’s because of its high demand as it takes a lot to train a very capable surgeon.
#16. Repair Technician
As a Repair Technician, you’re in charge of the care and maintaining hospital appliances, cleaning, and prepping equipment for operations.
#17. Warehouse Worker
One of the physically engaging jobs in this field, although it’s one of the easiest ways to get into the Medical/Dental instruments field.
It passes well so be sure to give it a try if you have the muscles for it.
#18. Chiropractors
These are specialists in the spine and vertebrae alignments as they believe that the spine’s health is the body’s health.
The demand for Chiropractors increases over time as the aging population increases.
#19. Quality Assurance Engineer
They supervise the purchase, and validation process, and oversee the equipment production, use, and effectiveness.
#20. Medical Instrument Sales
Quite an overlooked job opportunity because of its rather simple nature but easily one of the highest paying jobs.
The field of sales is less dependent on a degree but more on skills, people interaction capabilities, and marketing knowledge.
With the right personality, you’re just a step away from being an amazing medical instrument salesperson.
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How to Get a Job in Medical/Dental Instruments
The medical and dental instruments sector is a rewarding and lucrative one. To successfully get a job in the medical/dental field, applicants should consider the following steps.
Step 1: Obtain all necessary educational requirements
To get a job in the medical or dental industry, you must have a minimum of a high school diploma or certification for an entry-level job.
Some positions require a bachelor’s degree as its minimum and to advance further, a master’s or professional certification.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Sometimes, what makes you stand out among other applicants is your level of experience in the medical or dental instruments field.
By having the required years of experience, you can land some high-paying jobs. You can gain experience through internship programs, clinical placement, voluntary work, and part-time shifts.
Step 3: Obtain a License
After the completion of your degree program, you’ll need to get a license to legally practice in the medical/dental instruments field.
The Skills Required for a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments
To excel in the medical/dental instruments field, the first step to take is gaining relevant educational requirements and training. During this process, they will teach you basic skills that will be relevant in this industry.
Although having a strong educational background is important, possessing some of the major skills will help you go a long way.
Some skills required for a career in medical/dental instruments include
- Knowledge and expertise of the Instruments
- Ability to be Compassionate
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Skills
- IT knowledge
- Documentation Review
- Analytical Skills
- Ability to Focus
- Technical Skills
What if You Don’t Have a Degree?
The medical/dental instruments field could be rewarding as the job positions available helps to contribute to a healthy environment and improve individual wellbeing.
While many positions in this industry require at least a bachelor’s degree or higher, some job positions require no additional education beyond a high school diploma or, in some instances, a certification.
Some of these medical/dental instruments jobs include
- Medical Equipment Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Biller
- Dental Assistant
- Sonographer
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Medical Assistant
How Much Do Medical/Dental Instruments Jobs Pay?
Salaries and bonuses usually vary in the medical or dental instruments industry. Work experience, specialty, education, location, and sometimes the company you work for causes the variation.
Also, the medical/dental industry is one of the few sectors that offer decent salary rates for entry-level job positions.
So if you are considering starting a career in the medical/dental instruments field, here’s the pay rate of some job positions.
- Surgeon – $414,577
- Anesthesiologist – $409,200
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – $325,821
- Orthodontist – $290,729
- Periodontist – $223,124
- Dentist – $183,125
- Audiologist – $96,438
- Dental Hygienist – $78,525
- Medical Biller – $43,811
- Dental Assistant – $41,153
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three classifications of dental instruments?
What are the employment prospects of working in the medical/dental instruments field?
How much does a surgeon make?
What are the top companies in the medical/dental instruments industry?
Conclusion
There are a lot of different career paths you can choose from in the medical/dental industry, and the good news is there is the potential to earn a decent income no matter which of those career paths you follow.
If you enjoy helping people and promoting a healthy environment, then a career in medical/dental instruments is the right choice for you.
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